UCANINDIA writes…It is a new form of evangelization, helping people help themselves, discovering their own gifts and potentials.
Working to break the cycle of poverty in Indian villages is a priority for members of Vincentian congregations, says their general body meeting that concluded yesterday in Ranchi.
The Feb. 23-27 general body meet of Vincentian congregations said such a priority is part of their new way of evangelization through systemic social change. Systemic change methodology is used to break into the cycle of poverty and remove the inevitability of remaining poor for generations, said participants at the gathering.
“Systemic change: the focus of the worldwide Vincentian family,” was the theme of the 117 Major Superiors, heads of Vincentian family gathered for the seventh annual general body meeting of Vincentian congregations.
Vincentian Family refers to organizations that are inspired by the life and work of St. Vincent de Paul, a 17th century priest who “transformed the face of France.”
Resource team consists of nine members of Commission of the Vincentian Family for Systemic Change. The commission said: “Works of charity and justice should go hand in hand.”
The systemic change, according to the commission, attempts to bring about a wide ranging impact on the life of people living in poverty. It is a new form of evangelization, helping people help themselves, discovering their own gifts and potentials, the commission said.
Father Robert P. Maloney, Chairperson of the Commission appealed its members saying, “Begin small; begin somewhere. Accompany the people, be with them.”
“I would introduce the methodology of systemic change into our formation program in order to familiarize our young members.” Sister Gabrielle, the Regional Superior of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Mary said after the meet.
The Vincentian Family in India are: Congregation of the Missions, Vincentian Congregation, Daughters of Charity, Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, Brothers of Charity, Sisters of Charity of Saint Mary, Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Association of Miraculous Medal, Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, and the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.
Tags: Anti-poverty strategies, evangelization, India, Systemic change, Vincentian Congregation, Vincentian Family
